The Gozo Tourism Association has put forward its Budget 2026 proposals on “Delivering a distinct, sustainable, value-led destination” to the Government.

The GTA highlighted that tourism on the Island region of Gozo is facing several challenges. “While all National and Regional policies and strategies are pointing and directing towards a distinct destination, focusing on particular niche markets based on the island’s unique selling propositions, yet the tourism sector reiterates that it is much concerned that the overdevelopment on Gozo is jeopardising and lambasting the core of these tourism values.”

The Association stressed that “these overdevelopments, mostly for residential purposes, is impacting negatively the character of our little island, a proposition on which the tourism sector has been for years marketing and promoting Gozo with, as well as creating trends which are not naturally touristic.”

Tourism for Gozo is undoubtedly one of its main economic pillars, the GTA said. The achievements of this sector are rooted in the island’s uniqueness. Gozo has always been positioned, marketed, and promoted as a different destination, centred on its singular characteristics, natural and rural landscapes, and chequered history.

It noted that the Malta Tourism Strategy 2021-2030 rightly states that the island should continue building on Gozo’s distinctiveness, focusing on its unique selling propositions, and embracing climate-friendly tourism principles. Similarly, the Gozo Regional Development Authority’s Strategy for 2021-2030 identifies sustainable tourism – based on niche and quality offerings – as one of its priority areas.

However, the GTA insisted that “more must be done to ensure that tourism in Gozo advances in line with these policies. The local tourism sector repeatedly expresses concern about the direction in which the destination is being marketed.”

The Gozo Tourism Association “remains adamant that Gozo should be offered as a uniquely distinct experience.”

In 2024, the GTA noted that Gozo recorded another increase in foreign tourist arrivals, while domestic tourism saw a slight decline.

The proposals include among others, to improve and equip landing places for cruise tenders in Xlendi, Marsalforn ix-xatt l-Ahmar and Hondoq ir-Rummien, to serve as contingencies when Mgarr Harbour is restricted.

Commission new electrically propelled wheelchair-accessible ferry to replace the Nikolaus and maintain four-vessel rotation. Also to implement digital ticketing across ferries, buses, niche tours, museums, and other cultural attractions.

The Gozo Tourism Association said that it “sincerely hopes that these Budget 2025 proposals are taken on board in order to streamline, sustain and consolidate the tourism industry on Gozo.”

These proposals, which are shown below, “are the result of the continuous contact between the Gozo Tourism Association and its member operators within the tourism sector,” it said.

The GTA Proposed Budget 2026 Measures are as follows:

Connectivity

Retain, improve, and sustain the fast ferry service to attract niche tourists to Gozo.

Upgrade the fast ferry terminal on the M?arr quay to provide adequate waiting facilities for commuters, especially with the new proposed Sliema-Bugibba- Mgarr service.

Commission a new electrically propelled wheelchair-accessible ferry to replace the M/S Nikolaus and maintain a four-vessel rotation.

Initiate the development of the rural airfield to establish a fixed wing airlink between Gozo and Malta.

Conduct studies and impact assessments for the enlargement of Mgarr harbour. Invest in infrastructure to upgrade the ?irkewwa South quay, offering additional berthing and marshalling space in line with the North quay’s standards.

Enhance berthing and passenger facilities for cruise ships, including first-aid paramedics for emergencies.

Identify an alternative port to absorb part of the marine traffic currently operating from Mgarr harbour.

Improve and equip landing sites for cruise tenders at Xlendi, Marsalforn, Ix-Xatt l- Ahmar, and Hondoq ir-Rummien to serve as contingencies when Mgarr harbour access is restricted.

Commission studies on alternative land access routes to M?arr harbour, which is presently served by a single road.

Implement digital ticketing across ferries, buses, niche tours, museums, and other cultural attractions.

Touristic Offer

Ringfence the ECO contribution collected from Gozitan accommodation establishments to be invested in product upgrading like kitting up areas for the diving community, Climbing and abseiling areas, kitesurf zones, signage, and trail upgrades.

Invest in a six plus person hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber at the Gozo General Hospital

Ensure and enforce the right of access to the diving sector for the shoreline on the North and Northwest of Gozo.

Establish a marine park to attract more divers to Gozo and provide technical and financial support within a management structure for the area.

Allocate funds to start implementing the actions for the Gozitan diving sector as listed in the Diving Strategy for the Maltese Islands.

The VAT applicable for admission to shows, theatres, fairs, amusement parks, concerts, museums, cinemas, exhibitions and similar cultural events and facilities should be reduced from 18% to 7%.

Introduce specific initiatives for the preservation and promotion of Gozo’s cultural and heritage sites, which could include partnerships with international heritage organisations.

Fast track the amendments to the Tourism Act 1999 to reflect the current trends in tourism establishments.

Introduce a tailor-made grant scheme to Gozo based operators to develop, upgrade, and modernise artisan workshops, culinary demos, e-bike heritage routes and Agri-Tourism.

The competent Authorities are urged to amend the summer construction break time directive. GTA propose that excavation and demolition works only, be prohibited within a 50-meter radius of any Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) licensed premises. This directive should extend across the entirety of Gozo, rather than being confined to selected few streets.

Environment

Develop new regional plans and policies specifically designed for Gozo to preserve it as an island of villages within a modern world.

A Gozo-specific planning authority, or at minimum, stronger regional autonomy within existing frameworks to enforce Gozo-appropriate environmental and development policies.

Retain the existing incentives on sale and purchase of properties in UCA where the purchaser signs a guarantee to restore the property without subdivision.

Extend the incentives in all vernacular and post-war properties including UCA where buyers undertake to preserve the integrity of the property, respecting and not exceeding the surrounding traditional village heights.

Introduce a fiscal incentive scheme to encourage the restoration and conversion of existing traditional properties and bring them back to life as residential homes, boutique hotels.

Establish a marine reserve around the Gozitan coast and ensure its enforcement, applying the model of the Cirkewwa marine reserve.

Promoting the Destination

Create a joint marketing and incentive fund to attract 10-12 new cruise ship calls per year in Gozo specialising in winter breaks and longer stays to market and sell Gozo during the low months.

Expand participation in dedicated sectoral tourism fairs to promote destination Gozo for Sports tourism, weddings, and gastronomy.

Offer financial and technical support to Gozitan accommodation establishments to achieve a recognised sustainability label to reinforce Gozo as an eco-destination. Assist and incentivise touristic establishments to set up their respective user-friendly websites, which are multilingual, including online payments and directing booking patterns towards mobile and tablet booking devices, whilst optimising the use of social media influencers and virtual reality tours.

Create, offer, support, and entice new niches like adventure, activity, sports, walking, digital nomads, and well-being.

Human Capital

Introduce a tax credit or grant scheme conditional on 12 months employment in tourism.

Offer a grant for local students who opt to work during the weekends or their annual holidays in Gozitan tourism establishments.

Organise courses targeting foreign employees to learn the basics of the Maltese and English Language, as well the history, culture, and basic legal regulations of the Maltese Islands.

Set up a scheme to assist employers and employees to attend a comprehensive list of training courses, covering a wide range of topics tailor-made for Gozitan touristic needs including the upskilling of staff to address today’s demands and technologies.

To entice foreign staff retention, amend the legislation so that once TCN employees quit their job, they need to reapply from the beginning through their prospective employer to obtain their work permit afresh.

Introduce National Insurance contribution credits for the winter months to encourage retention of employees during off-peak months.

Develop the ITS Gozo Campus into a specialised vocational tourism institution that caters not only for Gozitans but also for Maltese and foreign students who opt to follow specific courses.

Ensure that the Public Sector is no longer in competition with the Private Sector for the recruitment of employees by offering favourable and unmatchable working conditions. The touristic private sector is to be encouraged to introduce flexible working hours offering favourable conditions and incentives for career progression within the tourism sector.

File photo/DLHGh

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